When Well Nations Magazine declared August to be National American
Indian Month and asked all American Indian Nations to join them
in celebrating this month of sobriety, it was clear that the Saginaw
Chippewa Indian Tribal Community would step up and meet this request.
Sobriety is a cause that is already close to the hearts of the
community as symbolized by the Freedom Walk which takes place the
first Saturday of every August. The Freedom Walk was created to
honor sobriety and those whose lives have been impacted by alcohol
and other drugs.
On August 7th over 320 individuals turned out to eat breakfast
at the Tribal Center and listen whole heartedly to scheduled speakers
Chief Falcon and Charmaine Benz prior to the walk. What they also
received were many personal stories from individuals in the community
who have struggled with addiction and felt compelled to speak to
the audience about these very personal struggles. If you were at
the walk and heard these spreakers and see them out in the community,
please thank them for having the courage to speak in front of so
many people.
All speakers encouraged people to look at the impact alcohol
and other drugs have on the individual, family, and community and
to make a decision to walk in balance, free of substances.
Congratulations to all who participated in the walk. It is clear
that this is a very proud community with many caring people and
strong support for sobriety.